Southern Water Considers Emergency Plan to Import Water from Norway in Drought Situations
As the UK faces increasing challenges with water scarcity, Southern Water, one of the country’s largest water companies, is exploring the option of importing water from Norway as a “last-resort” measure in case of extreme droughts. This emergency plan, which could involve shipping up to 45 million litres of water per day in tankers, is seen as a contingency measure to be used only in the event of an “extreme drought emergency” in the early 2030s.
Tim McMahon, Southern Water’s managing director for water, emphasized the importance of having multiple options to address water scarcity issues while protecting the environment. He stated, “Importing water would be a last resort contingency measure that would only be used for a short period in the event of an extreme drought emergency in the early 2030s – something considerably worse than the drought of 1976.”
The company highlighted that reducing leakage and implementing water-saving agreements with businesses have helped them manage water resources effectively so far. However, with population growth and climate change putting additional strain on water supplies, Southern Water is exploring alternative solutions to ensure water security for the future.
Subheading: Environmental Concerns Drive Emergency Plan
The decision to consider importing water from Norway stems from growing environmental concerns regarding droughts in the UK, particularly following the challenges faced during the summer of 2022. The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has warned that the country is being “increasingly tested” by droughts, posing significant challenges for water management and communication with the public.
In response to these concerns, Southern Water is in early-stage talks with the Extreme Drought Resilience Service, a private UK company called Water Level Limited, to explore the possibility of importing water from fjords in Norway. While the plan is still in its initial phases, it reflects the urgency of addressing water scarcity issues and ensuring a reliable supply of water for the region.
Subheading: Financial Implications and Environmental Commitments
Southern Water has confirmed that customers’ bills would be used to fund the importation of water from Norway in case of an extreme drought emergency. Currently, the company extracts water from groundwater and chalk streams, but environmental concerns have prompted calls for alternative water sources to be explored.
In 2028, Southern Water signed an agreement with the Environment Agency to find an alternative water source by 2027, following warnings to stop tapping into globally rare chalk streams during dry spells. The company’s commitment to protecting the environment while addressing water scarcity issues is crucial in ensuring sustainable water management practices in the long run.
Subheading: Industry Challenges and Regulatory Oversight
The water industry in the UK is facing increasing scrutiny, with Southern Water and other major companies being held accountable for serious pollution incidents in recent years. A report revealed that Southern Water, along with Anglian Water, Thames Water, and Yorkshire Water, were responsible for over 90% of pollution incidents in 2023, raising concerns about environmental compliance and regulatory oversight.
Despite these challenges, Southern Water remains committed to working with regulators and stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for water scarcity while prioritizing environmental protection. The company’s two-star overall rating by the Environment Agency underscores the need for continuous improvement and adherence to regulatory standards in the water sector.
In conclusion, the emergency plan to import water from Norway highlights the urgency of addressing water scarcity issues in the UK and the importance of developing resilient and sustainable water management strategies. By exploring alternative water sources and investing in infrastructure to mitigate the impact of droughts, Southern Water is taking proactive steps to ensure water security for future generations.
